Evening primrose oil: properties, uses, and how to take it

April 20, 2026

Due to its many health benefits, evening primrose oil is widely used as a natural remedy to treat various skin and hair problems, relieve pain, reduce the symptoms of certain illnesses, and even aid in weight loss.

If you want to discover more about evening primrose oil, keep reading this post because here we tell you all about its benefits, contraindications, what it's used forand how you can take it to take full advantage of its properties. Take note!

What is evening primrose oil?

This oil comes from a herbaceous plant scientifically known as Oenothera Biennis, but better known as evening primrose.It is native to North America, but in the 17th century it spread to other areas such as Europe, mainly for use in decoration. Later, its numerous health properties were discovered, and it was then that it began to be used as a home remedy to heal wounds, scars, and other problems. Evening primrose is a wild medicinal plant that often grows along roadsides and highways. Its flowers are yellow, and its miraculous and highly popular oil is extracted from the seeds by cold pressing.

Properties of Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is characterized by being rich in fatty acids, especially linoleic acid and Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which belongs to the Omega-6 group. These fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of the body, but since we don't synthesize them, they must be included in the diet through foods like nuts. Below, we'll tell you more about all the health benefits of these acids, which you can find in evening primrose oil. We recommend you take a look at our article on the properties of tea tree oil, as it has very similar benefits to this oil. Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil Combats Premenstrual Syndrome: One of the most popular uses and benefits of evening primrose oil is that it combats the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. If you're a woman, it can help reduce bloating, pain, and even the depression or mood swings of premenstrual syndrome. Soothing and moisturizing properties: This oil, rich in vitamins E and F, helps soothe and moisturize the skin, making it a perfect natural treatment for dry skin or skin with certain problems such as atopic dermatitis or eczema. Prevents heart disease: It can help regulate blood pressure. 400;">reducing the chances of suffering a heart attack. It also increases the size of blood vessels, preventing clots and therefore related diseases such as thrombosis. Likewise, it reduces levels of bad cholesterol.

Antioxidant properties:it is considered a good natural remedy to combat the signs of premature aging.

Anti-inflammatory properties:another of its most outstanding benefits is that evening primrose oil is used to relieve pain. It can also help protect the stomach from irritation caused by some gastrointestinal diseases and fights diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Aids in weight loss:This oil has a satiating effect that can reduce appetite. Likewise, it prevents the accumulation of fat and promotes its faster elimination. This is why you can include it in your diet, as long as it is also accompanied by a good exercise routine. By the way! Check out this post with the best strength training to do in your own home.

Contraindications

Regarding contraindications or possible side effects on health, evening primrose oil is not recommended for the following groups of people:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

What is evening primrose oil used for?

For hair

Evening primrose oil has a high content of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, making it a perfect ally to combat dry scalp, hair loss, and dandruff.

This ability to strengthen hair makes it a highly sought-after ingredient in the manufacture of shampoos and hair products. For the skin: As mentioned before, evening primrose oil has properties that help soothe and soften the skin, making it a perfect natural treatment for dermatological problems. This is why this oil is widely used in cosmetics and beauty for the manufacture of creams and other products that combat acne, dermatitis, blemishes, redness, and other skin problems. skin.

You can also apply this oil directly to the skin of your face or body. To do this, spread several drops on your skin and massage the area until it is completely absorbed.

How to take it?

If you want to consume the oil orally, you can do so through capsules, which you can easily find in a herbalist shop, cosmetics store, or pharmacy.

Similarly, you can also prepare an infusion with the branches and leaves of this plant. Although it's not the oil, you can still benefit from some of its properties. To do this, chop the leaves and stems (preferably dried) and add them to a container of boiling water. Let it steep for a while, and your infusion will be ready, which can serve as a home remedy to treat cold symptoms or other gastrointestinal problems.